Arokodare scores twice as Nigeria beat Tanzania 3-1 in Uyo

Nigeria beat Tanzania 3-1 at home in Uyo, and Tolu Arokodare scored both of his goals in the second half to settle it.

The match was part of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. Teams are split into groups, and the best sides in each group earn a place at the finals, the continent's major tournament for national teams.

Nigeria started quickly. Alhassan Yusuf gave them the lead in the second minute, finishing after a pass from Ademola Lookman. Tanzania hit back just after the half-hour mark, when Alphonce Msanga equalised.

Arokodare came off the bench at half-time, and he made an immediate impact. In the 52nd minute he flicked the ball home from Wilfred Ndidi's low pass, putting Nigeria back in front. Eight minutes later he scored again. He controlled a cross from Moses Usor and drove a shot from 12 yards out to make it 3-1.

Arokodare is a striker on loan at Ajax, the Dutch club, from Wolves in England for the season. A loan means a player spends a set period with another club while still contracted to his original one.

Tanzania were already through to the finals as co-hosts, so this game did not decide their place. For them, the afternoon was about the scoreline and the performance rather than qualification.

Nigeria's group run has had its ups and downs. In September they lost 3-0 away to Guinea-Bissau. After three group games, Nigeria had sat one point behind Guinea-Bissau at the top of the table. Guinea-Bissau have since drawn 1-1 with Madagascar in their own qualifying matches.

For Nigeria, the result keeps them in the chase. Three points at home, with a late flurry of goals, is the sort of afternoon that gives a squad confidence before the next match. The group is still open, and every result from here will count.